Cancer has become an increasingly serious public health issue in Kenya. Experts have linked the rise in cancer cases to a mix of factors including aging, unhealthy lifestyle changes, environmental pollution, infections, and limited access to early detection and quality treatment. Below, we explore the major contributors to this worrying trend.
Table of Contents:
1. Societal and Lifestyle Changes
Aging Population
Kenya’s life expectancy has been rising steadily, and with an aging population, the risk of developing age-related cancers like prostate, breast, and colon cancer naturally increases.
Unhealthy Lifestyles
- Poor Diet: As more people shift from traditional foods to processed, high-fat, low-fiber “Western” diets, cancer risk increases, particularly for colon and stomach cancers.
- Physical Inactivity: Sedentary habits contribute to obesity and other chronic diseases that are linked to cancer.
- Tobacco Use: Cigarette smoking is a leading cause of several cancers, including lung, throat, and bladder cancer.
- Alcohol Consumption: Excessive drinking is linked to liver, esophagus, and breast cancers.
2. Environmental Risk Factors
- Air Pollution: Growing urbanization and industrial activities increase exposure to air pollutants that are known carcinogens.
- Aflatoxins: Found in contaminated food, aflatoxins are a major cause of liver cancer in Kenya.
- Charcoal Smoke: Use of charcoal and firewood in cooking releases harmful compounds that can increase cancer risk.
3. Infections That Trigger Cancer
Infectious agents are responsible for a significant portion of cancer cases. For example:
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus): A major cause of cervical cancer in women.
- Hepatitis B and C: Linked to liver cancer.
- H. pylori: Associated with stomach cancer.
Health Cabinet Secretary during a cancer awareness campaign in Nairobi. Photo/Ministry of Health
4. Challenges in Healthcare and Early Detection
Low Awareness
Many Kenyans are unaware of early cancer signs and risk factors, leading to delayed diagnosis and poor outcomes.
High Cost of Treatment
Cancer treatment remains expensive and out of reach for many households, particularly those without health insurance.
Inadequate Screening Programs
There’s a critical lack of widespread, affordable screening services for common cancers such as cervical, breast, and prostate cancer.
Shortage of Specialists
Kenya has very few oncologists compared to its population, leading to long wait times and limited access to treatment services.
Poor Policy Implementation
Despite having a national cancer policy, gaps in infrastructure, funding, and enforcement continue to hinder progress in prevention and treatment.
The rise in cancer cases in Kenya is a complex issue involving modern lifestyles, environmental exposure, infections, and gaps in the health system. Solving it will require increased public education, better access to screening, more affordable treatment, and stronger policy enforcement.
